Information Commons

  Information Desk - Research Assistance

  Reference Collection

  Computing

  Software

  Printing

  Instruction Lab

  Project Rooms

For more information call (309) 556-3350.

Information Desk

Consult with library faculty for any type of research assistance or questions you may have.

Library Faculty Hours in the Information Commons

Monday - Thursday: 9am - noon, 1pm - 5pm, 6pm - 10pm

Friday: 9am - noon, 1 pm -  5pm

Sunday: 3pm - 5pm, 6pm - 10pm

Library users are welcome to make appointments in advance with the library faculty member who specializes in the appropriate subject area (Library Liaison) or are welcome to simply visit or phone (x3350) the Information Desk or ask a question by email.  In addition, we offer an instant message (IM) reference service called AskAmes.  By typing in the small green-bordered box to the left of the screen, you can get homework help anytime a reference librarian is working at the desk (see the hours, above).

Get help from Student Assistants in navigating the library's physical collection, as well as the ever-growing world of electronic information.

Student Assistant Hours in the Information Commons

Monday - Thursday: 8am - 1:30am

Friday: 8am - 10pm

Saturday:  10am - 10pm

Sunday: 11am - 1:30am

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Reference Collection

The Ames Library reference collection can be used to:

• locate background information on a topic
• get statistical data
• learn about a company
• supplement an in-class reading
• learn about a new concept introduced in class

Reference contains a large collection of specialized encyclopedia, statistical information, and resources to lead you to quality resources and a better understanding of new ideas.

Also of assistance is an online reference resource, Credo Reference, which allows searching for diverse topics across many different academic disciplines.

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Computing

• Information Commons has 24 PC workstations that are equipped with:
• Windows XP
• CD/DVD Player/Burner
• Floppy Drive
• USB/Flash Drive port
• Headphones
• Flat Screen Monitor
• Full access to the campus network

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Software

The workstations in Information Commons feature:

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Publisher, FrontPage etc...
• Internet Tools: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, FTP
• Research: RefWorks

Additional software is installed on computers throughout The Ames Library.

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Printing

Located in the Information Commons area are:

• 3 duplex (double-sided) laser printers
• 1 inkjet color printer

Please help us save our natural resources and reduce our costs - remember to print double sided to save paper.

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Instruction Lab

The Instruction Lab is available for library classroom instruction. It is:

• located adjacent to the Information Commons on the entry level.
• equipped with 26 individual workstations with application & research software.
• equipped with a duplex laser printer and an inkjet color printer
• available for general use when the lab is not being used for instruction purposes.
• equipped with projection capability and media equipment to fully integrate educational technology.

To schedule the Lab for instruction sessions, please contact your Library Liaison.

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Project Rooms

You can reserve one of the three project rooms to:

• meet with a group for collaborative work
• work on a large white board
• project a PowerPoint presentation
• watch a video or DVD

Reservations may be made in advance at the Information Desk, located on the entry level, or by calling (309) 556-3350. 

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